This invasive species costs Texas taxpayers millions each year. But can you eat it?

Texas has a wide variety of invasive species, from beaver-sized nutria rodents to the one inch zebra mussel.

Invasive species can harm ecosystems and cost U.S. taxpayers $137 billion annually.

Zebra mussels are algae feeders native to freshwater rivers and lakes in Eastern Europe and western Asia. They spread rapidly, so transporting them to other lakes can mean harm to native plants, fish and animals, costing Texas millions.

Area lakes in North Texas like Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Grapevine are classified as “infested” with zebra mussels and rivers like the Trinity River have tested positive for zebra mussels.

Zebra mussels are small creatures with big impact — they are difficult to remove, can clog water pipes and females can lay over a million eggs during spawning season, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Because zebra mussels can hide on boats and boat trailers, Texas Parks & Wildlife encourages boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats before traveling from lake to lake in order to prevent spreading them to other lakes.

Is it illegal to keep zebra mussels?

In Texas, possession or transportation of zebra mussels is a Class C misdemeanor for the first offense with a fine of up to $500.

Repeat offenses could land offenders a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, jail time up to 180 days, or both, according to Texas Invasives.

Can you eat a zebra mussel?

Most clams and mussels, including the zebra mussel, are edible, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

While species like fish and ducks eat zebra mussels, they don’t have a lot of “meat” to them and can actually be unhealthy to consume due to accumulate pollutants in their tissues.